Episode 2 | 01:04:25 hours

Thrust Into Product Management

Episode 2 | 01:04:25 hours | 07.15.2020

Thrust Into Product Management

00:00

This is a podcast episode titled, Thrust Into Product Management. The summary for this episode is: <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/michaeljthom" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Thom</a> never expected to be in product management, but that’s where he ended up. He’s spent the last seven years at <a href="http://dkpierce.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DK Pierce</a>, a healthcare reimbursement firm in Zionsville. Michael used to work primarily in IT, but he now oversees other operational and facilities projects, as well as all the firm’s client project management efforts, processes, and tools.Michael joined us to share his journey into product management. While his role is not explicitly in product management, many of his responsibilities are directly related to serving users of a custom software platform. He has had to learn how to work with the business, serve his users, and collaborate with a product development team to build something that uniquely allows DKP to provide their clients with the best solution in the market; all while not having been ‘classically’ trained as a product manager.Our talk with Michael reminded us that whether you’re building for a customer or your internal team, trust in the software is critical. Your team has to trust that the software will work as intended and that you won’t lose valuable data. Otherwise, people will simply stop using it.Join us to hear Michael’s insights on developing software products at a smaller company. You’ll also hear his thoughts on how to juggle work and parenting. And why he can’t get enough of playing the trombone.You can find more information about this podcast at <a href="http://sep.com/podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sep.com/podcast</a> and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you!

Matt Swanson

|Guest Host and Lead Product Engineer at SEP

As a Lead Product Engineer at SEP, Matt leads engineering project teams who help our customers build the right products, incorporate product thinking, and ship often. He values lightweight agile processes, TDD, and good design.

Matt's LinkedIn

Michael Thom

|Director of Project Management at DKP

Michael never expected to be in product management, but that’s where he ended up. He’s spent the last seven years at DK Pierce, a healthcare reimbursement firm in Zionsville. Michael used to work primarily in IT, but he now oversees other operational and facilities projects, as well as all the firm’s client project management efforts, processes, and tools. He has had to learn how to work with the business, serve his users, and collaborate with a product development team to build something that uniquely allows DKP to provide their clients with the best solution in the market; all while not having been ‘classically’ trained as a product manager.

Michael's LinkedIn

Takeaway 1 | 00:44 MIN

Michael explains the importance of cultural fit when choosing a software design & development partner.

Takeaway 2 | 00:52 MIN

Michael shares what he looked for in a software design & development partner.

Takeaway 3 | 02:02 MIN

Michael discusses the importance of building trust in a new software platform and the ways he did this for his team.

Takeaway 4 | 01:12 MIN

Matt explains how he prioritized delivery when building DKP's product.

Takeaway 5 | 01:02 MIN

Michael explains how he's managed his teammates in the midst of building a new software product.

Takeaway 6 | 00:35 MIN

Matt shares about being "patient in the long term and anxious in the short term" in product management.

Takeaway 7 | 00:47 MIN

Matt shares his new go-to approach for interviewing users.

Takeaway 8 | 00:47 MIN

Matt warns us about the words "almost always" when building software.

Michael Thom never expected to be in product management, but that’s where he ended up. He’s spent the last seven years at DK Pierce, a healthcare reimbursement firm in Zionsville. Michael used to work primarily in IT, but he now oversees other operational and facilities projects, as well as all the firm’s client project management efforts, processes, and tools.

Michael joined us to share his journey into product management. While his role is not explicitly in product management, many of his responsibilities are directly related to serving users of a custom software platform. He has had to learn how to work with the business, serve his users, and collaborate with a product development team to build something that uniquely allows DKP to provide their clients with the best solution in the market; all while not having been ‘classically’ trained as a product manager.

Our talk with Michael reminded us that whether you’re building for a customer or your internal team, trust in the software is critical. Your team has to trust that the software will work as intended and that you won’t lose valuable data. Otherwise, people will simply stop using it.

Join us to hear Michael’s insights on developing software products at a smaller company. You’ll also hear his thoughts on how to juggle work and parenting. And why he can’t get enough of playing the trombone.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you!